The committee can refer issues to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt if it does not think the proposals are in the best interests of the health service in the area, that not enough time has been allowed for consultation or it is not satisfied with the adequacy of the content of the consultation.

Committee chairman Middlesbrough Cllr Eddie Dryden said: “The committee understands why they are doing it, the system is complicated to navigate, and the CCG are responding to national policy directives but we need to ensure that it is safe and in the best interests of the South Tees population.”

All of the three planned options will see the two walk-in centres no longer available after March 31, 2017.

Around 40 people attended the first of seven consultation events on Monday, held at the Trinity Centre, in North Ormesby.

The other consultation events are being held at: Saint Nicholas Parish Church Hall, Guisborough on Friday January 29, from 12pm to 2pm; Eston City Learning Centre, Normanby Road, Teesville, on Saturday February 6 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and Thursday March 10, from 5pm to 7pm; Skelton Civic Hall, on Coniston Road, Skelton, on Tuesday February 16 at 5pm to 7pm and Saturday February 27 from 2pm to 4pm; and Tuned In, Majuba Road, Redcar, on Thursday March 31 from 12pm to 2pm.